Tuesday January 20 – Afternoon Highlights

2026 Vancouver, Grow Up News

Day 2 Afternoon Highlights — Grow Up Vancouver 2026

Tuesday, January 20 | PM Programming Recap

The afternoon programming on Day 2 of Grow Up Vancouver 2026 delivered one of the most expansive and thought-provoking blocks of the conference, bringing together science, retail strategy, genetics, legacy voices, and emerging technology across multiple stages and rooms.

From advanced research presentations to deeply personal conversations about culture and justice, Tuesday afternoon reflected the complexity, maturity, and momentum of Canada’s cannabis industry.

Rolling with Science: Perfecting the Joint & Vaporizing the Competition

Ballroom B | 1:00 PM

The afternoon began with a data-driven masterclass led by Dr. Markus Roggen, Founder & CEO of Complex Biotech AG, and Dr. Paul Heine, Principal Consultant at Selenide Consulting Inc.

Drawing on original research into combustion, vaporization, particle size, and humidity, the session examined how joints and vape products actually perform — separating science from marketing claims. With pre-rolls now representing over $1.2 billion in annual sales, the presentation offered rare, evidence-based insight into what defines product quality and consumer experience.

CANNAtalk Part 2: Genetics in Focus — Breeding Innovation for Tomorrow’s Market

Exhibit Hall A | 1:00 PM

Genetics took centre stage during CANNAtalk Part 2, moderated by Shannon Kloet of Tamerlane Trading Co.

Panelists included Daniel Joly (Courtside Genetics), Kevin Jodrey (One Log Cookies R&D Facility), and Matthew Don-Carolis (Segra International).

The discussion explored how genetics underpin product consistency, terpene expression, medical outcomes, and global commercialization. Speakers emphasized that verified, clean, and export-ready genetics will define long-term success as cannabis markets mature worldwide.

The Next Wave of Retail: Building Powerful Brand Connections

High North Main Stage | 1:15 PM

Retail leaders gathered on the High North Main Stage to explore how stronger collaboration between brands and retailers can drive differentiation and growth.

Panelists included Beau Driver (DEALR Cannabis), Brad Nishimura (Vancity® Cannabis), Gemma Hayes (Sweetgrass Cannabis), Matthew Greenwood (Up in Smoke Cannabis Store), and Robert Laurie (AD LUCEM Law Corporation / Vancity® Cannabis).

The conversation focused on exclusive product collaborations, co-marketing initiatives, working directly with small producers, and future innovations such as loyalty ecosystems and consumption spaces.

Seeds, Plantlets, or Clones: The Future of Cannabis Propagation

Ballroom B | 1:30 PM

This masterclass examined how propagation methods influence crop health, scalability, and consistency. Speakers included Atiyyah Ferouz (AgCann Consultancy), David Bernard Perron (Organic Cannabis Consulting), Aakash Goyal (AgriLeaf Inc.), and Rob Baldwin (Village Farms Canadian Cannabis).

The panel compared F1 hybrid seeds, tissue-culture plantlets, and traditional clones, addressing genetic stability, pathogen management, and production efficiency across both craft and commercial operations.

Brands & Buyers Speed Networking — Afternoon Session

Exhibit Hall A | 2:00–4:00 PM

The afternoon Brands & Buyers Speed Networking session continued to connect cannabis brands with approved retail buyers in a fast-paced, structured environment designed to support discovery, feedback, and long-term partnerships.

Growing Smarter: How AI Is Transforming the Cannabis Industry

High North Main Stage | 2:00 PM

This panel explored real-world applications of artificial intelligence already improving cannabis operations. Speakers included Alexandre Gauthier (Origine Nature), Fez Rismani (Elevate Wellness Inc.), Hardeep Shoker (Elevated Signals), and John Slaughter (High North, Inc.).

The discussion focused on practical tools for forecasting, compliance, yield optimization, and operational efficiency — highlighting AI’s immediate value beyond hype.

The Past, Present & Future of Rosin

Ballroom B | 2:30 PM

Solventless extraction took the spotlight with a masterclass featuring Alannah Davis (Dabble Cannabis Co.), Hugo Leon de Gante (Lady Jane Labs), Mat Beren (Great Gardener Farms), and Tim Powers (Kind Selections).

Speakers traced rosin’s evolution from grassroots methods to premium commercial products, discussing innovation, consumer demand, and the future of solventless extraction.

Legacy to Legal: Preserving Culture, Justice & Community

High North Main Stage | 2:45 PM

One of the most impactful sessions of the day, this panel brought together Carol Gwilt and Don Briere (WEEDS®), Jodie Giesz-Ramsay (Cannabis Culture), Ted Smith (Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club), and Robert Laurie.

Through deeply personal storytelling, panelists reflected on activism, civil disobedience, legal battles, and the transition from legacy markets to legalization — challenging attendees to consider equity, justice, and participation in the modern industry.

Legal Trailblazer: Fireside Chat with John Conroy

High North Main Stage | 4:15 PM

The afternoon concluded with an intimate fireside chat featuring John Conroy (Conroy & Company) and Kirk Tousaw, reflecting on decades of constitutional challenges, policy advocacy, and the ongoing evolution of cannabis law in Canada.